Accident blocks US 301 in Port Royal

PORT ROYAL – State officials say U.S. 301 remains closed in the town of Port Royal this morning because of a tractor-trailer accident.

The overturned 18-wheeler is leaking diesel fuel, and a hazardous materials team is on the scene, according to the state highway department.

The accident occurred on U.S. 301 southbound at Water Street, and traffic is being detoured around the site via Water Street and back to U.S. 301. Motorists in the area should expect delays.

The accident occurred about 5:12 a.m. when the truck, a 2009 Freightliner, went off the right side of the highway into the ditch and overturned onto the driver’s side, said State Police Sgt. Thomas Molnar.

The driver, Lynn Porter, 52, or Portsmouth, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.

Porter, who was hauling a load of frozen food, was charged with reckless driving-failure to maintain property control, said Molnar.